I'm newly diagnosed with AS. I have been an avid runner for the past 7 years. Due to AS I have found it difficult to continue running, even though when able to I still try. I have cut back on my distance. I can only run my first mile continuously (sometimes, I'm unable to even do that) and the next mile is broken into 1/2 to 1/4 miles depending on how I feel. I use to be able to run 6 miles without stopping and my speed has greatly suffered. I experience increased pain during running and trying to increase speed obviously worsens pain. I have a passion for running and want to continue. Any suggestions? BTW I use to enter races before my symptoms started getting worse and more frequent and I always placed first or second in the female category...... so as you can see this atrophy in running is very upsetting to me. Now some days I can't run at all due to pain and when I'm able its for short distances at a slow pace.